How Technology Facilitates Maui Property Sales Via the Internet

Much like many businesses, real estate has changed drastically in the last 10 years and the majority of this change is derived from improvements in the field of technology. Whenever I express frustration about our MLS system being down for maintenance, my dad, Tracy Stice, reminds me that our MLS used to consist of a large black printed book that was outdated the day it was printed. Realtors truly were the gatekeepers of this sacred information and this is one of the things that made us so integral to our clients. This is no longer the case as the websites and mobile applications Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow contain far more information that Realtors from my dad’s generation could’ve ever imagined.

However, it is equally important to remember that Zillow doesn’t live here, we do!

Now, it really boils down to knowledge, experience, and most importantly, service. This post is a duo of related yet different aspects of this process; here is the other: Invest in a Maui Real Estate Purchase with Jeremy Stice and Hawaii Life.

Our Myriad of Tools to Facilitate a Maui Internet Purchase

Here is the link to the complete Hawaii Life Buyer Handbook, which we are continuously working to improve on, so please let us know what we can do to make it even better. Our team is working on a Maui supplement piece to this as well.

Smart websites for you to search and save your favorite properties – as I mentioned before, I am in the process of building my own personal site, which I am ashamed to say that I haven’t done yet, but you can use my page at HawaiiLife.com in the interim.

Automatic property notifications – let’s touch base today to determine what your needs and goals are. Maui is a competitive marketplace with limited supply – learning about new opportunities before they hit the market, or immediately when they do, is paramount to your overall success in securing the right one.

Online property wish list – I am in the process of developing a form filled questionnaire for my new site. I want to know how we can best work with you and serve your individual needs, so please shoot me an email today and I will send you the questions manually.

Videos – Professional videos (get you excited), my in-depth videos on my Youtube channel will get you all the facts and customization that you need. I also regularly use Skpe or Facetime real live walk-throughs. These can be turned around very quickly and are like being on Maui. I can also use my drone to help capture that unique perspective for you. Check out my first drone video I shot here – The Stices are building a custom home in Ka’anapali.

Muse on Kapalua Flying Camera Footage

My exclusive listing of 233 Crestview Road in Kapalua has some awesome footage and is currently under contract. Check out all the details here.

Matterport 3D – Want to see a 3-dimensional floor plan of a particular property, or better yet, throw on your Google Cardboard or Samsung Gear VR and take a stroll through the Waiea Penthouse that Hawaii Life has listed for $36M? Check it out here, it’s pretty darn sweet: Waiea Penthouse on HL1.com. Many listing firms are now employing this technology on many of their listings, many of which are at a price tier much more attainable for most.

I have represented many buyers and sellers at The Honua Kai Resort and Spa in Ka’anapali; check out Hokulani 620 on Matterport, it is super cool.

Docusign – Electronic signature software has revolutionized business around the world. Our purchase contract specifically states that an electronic signature is the same as a “wet” signature. This has been a lifesaver namely because I don’t need to own a fax machine (nails on a chalk board) anymore, although I can figure it out if an absolute necessity. For the most part, scanning and emailing has become a thing of the past and this makes the entire process more effecient for everyone.

Docusign is the leading electronic signature service provider and it couldn’t be easier to use. I will email you all of the documents that need to be reviewed in advance, address any questions, and once you are ready to sign and approve, I will send the Docusign for you to sign in your email.

How do you sign in your email? You consent to conduct electronic business with Hawaii Life; you either choose several different samples of your electronic signature or create your own, and then you simply click through the document and it will place your initials, date, full name, signatures, or other data that needs to be there. You can literally execute a 30 page contract in 1 minute.

Reviewing property records including online permitting – Maui County doesn’t have the best or most user-friendly service so it is important that you have someone who can help you navigate through this.

Home inspections – actual reports are sent via email (hard copy in the mail) with detailed photos. If you are unable to attend in person, I am happy to set up a Skype/Facetime/Video walk-throughs of pertinent issues with the inspector following the inspection.

Association and Title documents are all ordered electronically now – sellers will most commonly pay for these documents and they are generally delivered to buyers within 7 business days of opening escrow. These documents will contain hyperlinks to additional imporant info for the deeper dive of due diligence.

Transaction management – I work with an absolutely tremendous transaction management team at Hawaii Life. I have no idea on how they manage to do what they do – it is incredible how they are able to keep buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, inspectors, escrow officers, and additional integral parties all on track and not let anything slip through the cracks.

There are escrow timelines that are created by our team, which keep you up to date on all outstanding and completed contingency timelines. Weekly updates with timeliness are sent out as well as periodic electronic document approvals which are needed.

Online loan applications – almost all lenders have online sites where you can formally apply for a loan via the web. Check out one of my most trusted local lenders – Rebecca Ross of Elite Lending.

Mobile Notaries – In addition to the vast majority of paperwork being executed electronically, Escrow can also set up a mobile notary to meet you at a location that is most convenient for you for those documents which do need to be notarized.

Referral vendors – real estate is a multi-faceted process, so whether you need an attorney, a contractor, an engineer, a handyman, an interior decorator, a traveling masseuse, or whatever it is – my personal network as well as that of my colleagues around the entire state are here at your service.

I Pick Up My Cell Phone & Respond to Email in a Timely Fashion

All of this doesn’t provide any value if you can’t get ahold of your Realtor. I make a commitment to pick up my cell phone as best as I can, return voicemails, text messages, and email in a timely fashion. I do also work 7 days a week so feel free to call upon me anytime you need me – if I am tied up at the time, I will get back to you shortly. I am here at your service, reach out to me today.

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